Canada spousal sponsorship for South Korean nationals
What this visa is
The Canadian Spousal Sponsorship program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner to become a permanent resident of Canada. This is a permanent immigration route, not a temporary visa. If approved, the sponsored person can live, work, and study anywhere in Canada without restriction.
This guide covers the process for South Korean nationals being sponsored to join a partner who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Who can apply
You can apply under this program if you are:
- Legally married to your sponsor
- In a common-law relationship and have cohabited continuously for at least twelve months
- In a conjugal relationship with your sponsor for at least one year and are unable to live together due to circumstances beyond your control
You must be aged 18 or over. Your relationship must be genuine and not entered into primarily for immigration purposes.
Who can sponsor
The sponsor must be:
- A Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Aged 18 or over
- Residing in Canada, or a Canadian citizen who intends to reside in Canada when the sponsored person becomes a permanent resident
The sponsor must not be receiving social assistance (other than for disability), must not have defaulted on a previous sponsorship undertaking, and must not be undischarged bankrupt or subject to a removal order.
Financial requirement
There is no minimum income requirement to sponsor a spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner. The sponsor does not need to demonstrate a specific salary or savings level.
The sponsor must sign a legally binding undertaking to financially support the sponsored person for three years from the date they become a permanent resident. During this period, the sponsor is responsible for repaying any social assistance the sponsored person receives from the government.
Language requirement
There is no English or French language requirement for spousal sponsorship. The sponsored person does not need to pass a language test to obtain permanent residence through this route.
Medical examination
All applicants must undergo an immigration medical examination conducted by an IRCC-approved panel physician. Panel physicians are available in Seoul and other major Korean cities. Use the IRCC panel physician locator to find the nearest approved clinic.
The examination must be completed within the validity window IRCC specifies. If processing extends beyond that window, a repeat examination may be required.
Police certificates
South Korean nationals must provide a criminal record certificate from the National Police Agency (NPA). This is obtained through the Korean National Police Agency’s online system or through designated application channels. IRCC provides country-specific instructions for South Korea at the time of application.
You must also provide police certificates from every other country you have lived in for six months or more since the age of 18.
Documents needed
Sponsor’s documents:
– Proof of Canadian citizenship (passport, citizenship certificate) or permanent residence card
– Completed sponsorship application forms
Applicant’s documents:
– Valid South Korean passport
– Family relations certificate (가족관계증명서, gajok gwangye jeungmyeongseo) and marriage certificate (혼인관계증명서, honin gwangye jeungmyeongseo): in South Korea, marriages are registered through the Family Register system. Obtain both the family relations certificate and the marriage certificate from the local government office (주민센터) or online through the Supreme Court Registry. Recent copies are preferable.
– Resident registration record (주민등록등본) as additional identity and address documentation
– Two passport-sized photographs meeting IRCC specifications
– Immigration medical examination results from a panel physician
– NPA criminal record certificate and certificates from any other country lived in for six months or more since age 18
– Completed application forms and checklists as specified by IRCC
Both parties:
– Evidence of genuine relationship: photographs together, communication records, evidence of visits, shared finances, joint accounts, or joint property
– If either party has been previously married: documentation showing the prior marriage has ended
All documents in Korean must be accompanied by certified English or French translations.
How to apply
Applications are submitted online through the IRCC secure portal. There are two streams:
Outland application: The sponsored person applies from South Korea. The application is processed by the Canadian visa office responsible for Korea.
Inland application: The sponsored person is already in Canada on a valid temporary status (visitor visa, study or work permit). They apply from within Canada. Inland applicants can request an open work permit while the application is in progress.
Costs and processing times
Sponsorship fee: CAD $85
Principal applicant processing fee: CAD $570
Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF): CAD $515
Biometrics: CAD $85
Total government fees: CAD $1,255. Additional costs include the immigration medical examination, NPA certificate fees, certified translations, and legal fees if using a representative.
Check current processing times on the IRCC website before applying.
After approval
Once approved, the sponsored person receives a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and a permanent resident visa. They must travel to Canada before the COPR expiry date and confirm their permanent residence at a port of entry.
After landing, a permanent resident card is issued. As a permanent resident, you can live and work anywhere in Canada. After three years of physical presence within a five-year period, you may be eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship.
FAQs
Which Korean documents does IRCC require for proof of marriage?
IRCC typically requires the honin gwangye jeungmyeongseo (marriage certificate from the Family Register system). Some applications also request the gajok gwangye jeungmyeongseo (family relations certificate). Obtain recent copies of both when preparing your application.
Do Korean documents need to be translated?
Yes. All documents in Korean must be accompanied by a certified English or French translation by a qualified translator.
We are in a common-law relationship. Can we apply?
Yes, if you can demonstrate at least twelve months of continuous cohabitation. Common-law relationships are not registered through the Korean Family Register system, so your evidence will need to come from other sources: a shared residential address, utility bills, bank statements, and statutory declarations.
Is there a right of appeal if refused?
Yes. Refusals can be appealed to the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD). Legal advice before filing is recommended.
Can dependent children be included?
Yes. Dependent children under 22 can be included in the sponsorship application. Each dependent requires their own medical examination and documentation.